The United States' basketball team for the Olympics is set to feature some of the NBA's biggest stars, with an 11-man roster now confirmed - but one spot remains open.
NBA heavyweights like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Joel Embiid - despite his injury issues - have all been confirmed, with either Devin Booker or Anthony Edwards expected to join them in the starting lineup.
Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton complete the current roster - leaving up to five players vying for the final spot.
Grant Hill, Team USA's managing director, is reportedly keeping one roster slot open until a July training camp and exhibition games in Las Vegas, before making a final decision on the last spot ahead of the trip to Paris.
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James will be playing in his fourth Olympics, marking his first appearance in 12 years since he won his second gold medal for Team USA at the London 2012 games.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr will lead Team USA in the games, with he and Hill likely to make a joint decision on the last spot in July.
Mirror Sports US has identified the three most likely candidates to be considered for the 12th roster spot.
Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown was left off the roster. (Getty Images)Currently, Team USA only has three forwards in James, Durant, and Tatum, so a fourth is definitely needed to ensure enough rest and prevent injuries.
Brown has been plagued by injuries himself this season, and his stats have taken a hit. However, he's seen as an ideal choice to bolster the team's depth, thanks to his defensive prowess and improved spot-up shooting skills.
Jalen Brunson
Team USA will be coached by Steve Kerr (GETTY)Despite Team USA already having three point guards in Curry, Holiday and Haliburton - not to mention James' assured ball-handling - Brunson is likely to be considered for the final selection. He's had a standout season with the Knicks, who finished second in the Eastern Conference, and his absence from the roster was somewhat surprising.
Brunson was coached by Kerr at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he received high praise for his leadership of the offence. Kerr said: "I think Jalen is such a natural leader. Because he's a point guard, he immediately comes to mind. He's the one who's leading the '1, 2, 3 USA' chant. For some guys it just comes naturally to them."
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard will be considered should he prove to be healthy (Getty Images)It's hard to dispute that Leonard is the best player not selected, but the two-time NBA Finals MVP has been dogged by health issues, missing significant chunks of the last five seasons.
An exceptional defensive player and a selfless offensive star, Leonard would be the perfect substitute for the likes of James and Durant, significantly enhancing the team's performance on both ends. With the forward position most likely to be addressed, Leonard is expected to get the call up if he can prove his fitness.
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